A Gonga Praise-Poem from the Kafa High lands of south-west Ethiopia. The poem records the drama of a succession dispute.
SINI
After the death of Gamma Kegocci,
Tumi Taki has left me empty-handed.
Warga, Son of Qariso
A Chaha Praise-Poem from the Gurage people of Ethiopia. Warga is not a ruler but a wealthy man who is praised for his generosity to the poor. This is, of course, a poem chanted by someone hoping to benefit from Warga’s wealth.
My master Warga, son of Qariso,
Since you were created, when has there been any distress?
